If so, then the cost of this portion of your journey to becoming a CPA could be drastically subsidized. The exam comprises of 50 Multiple Choice Questions out of which the candidate needs to score 70% (35 out of 50 correct) to pass the exam. To complete the CPA Exam qualification process, international candidates must have a foreign credential evaluation agency evaluate their transcripts.
Fingerprinting / background checks: $30-$100
These services usually cost $30–$100, depending on the state and the provider you use. It’s not a huge expense, but it’s worth knowing about so you’re not caught off guard. Before you can sit for the CPA exam, you’ll need to apply to your state board (or its designated agency, like NASBA). The total cost of the CPA exam typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your jurisdiction, review course selection, and other related expenses. Additional costs for licensing and continuing education may also apply after passing the exam.
How CPA exam costs vary by state
So, always check your state Statement of Comprehensive Income board’s instructions carefully to see if you need to pay them for both your registration fees and exam fees, or just your registration fees. Missing a payment step (or assuming NASBA will bill you when your board expects to collect everything) can delay your ability to schedule exams. After you’ve passed all four exams (and completed any required ethics exam), you’ll need to submit a license application to your state board.
How much does the CPA exam cost overall?
- If you will have to travel, include planning for a stress-free trip in your budget.
- The State of Texas is one of the few states that require CPA candidates to go through a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
- Once you have a CPA license, you will pay $120 in annual fees to continue practicing accounting in the state.
- So, it would seem that there are considerable savings to be made by opting to take all four sections together.
- Check with your HR department or supervisor to learn about available programs.
As in many professions, accounting professionals invest in ongoing licensing fees and continuing education. The above chart breaks down the average CPA cost for taking the exam, including resources to help you pass the CPA exam, ethics exam and some CPA certification requirements. The New York State Board would then have to review your application and all required supporting material. Once you meet the license requirements you will be issued a license number and you are entitled to practice in New York State as of the effective date of licensure. Once you have completed all the requirements and passed the CPA exam, you can now apply for a license.
Applicants who submitted prior applications directly with the Board of Accountancy, credentialing information must be submitted to and examinations scheduled with NASBA, also. The application will be reviewed and processed upon passing all examinations and satisfying eligibility requirements for licensure in the District. Final licensing procedures are provided to applicants shortly thereafter. It’s important to note that the state of California also requires the professional ethics exam. Once you have a CPA license, you will pay $120 in annual fees to continue practicing accounting in the state.
#1: Cost of a CPA Review Course
Always check with your state board to find out if you need to pass a CPA ethics course income statement for licensing. Yes, the exam section fees are standardized nationwide (currently $262.64 per section). But application, registration, licensing, and renewal fees vary by state, which is why total costs differ. For example, some Fortune 500 companies cover CPA review courses for staff in finance roles, and several state agencies reimburse license and renewal fees for government accountants. If you only have a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, you’ll need another 30 credits to meet the 150-hour requirement for licensure. While this isn’t actually required before you take the exams in most states, it’s something you’ll need to factor in to get your CPA license.
Washington CPA Exam Costs 2025: The 4 Critical Fees
The registration fees may be for all four modules, or each module may have a different price. The exam fee is set by the jurisdictional testing authority (i.e. state board of accountancy) and can fluctuate year to year at their discretion. If you’re sitting the CPA exam outside the U.S., the process usually comes with extra costs. You’ll still pay the same exam section fees ($262.64 per section x four sections total), but there are additional charges and sometimes logistics to plan for. Several state boards require candidates to submit fingerprints or undergo background checks as part of the licensing process.